Russians arrested in Phuket with fake ATM cards

PHUKET: Two Russian men were arrested in Kamala on fraud charges yesterday (Sept 15) after police discovered the men using fake ATM cards in Patong and Kamala. Police seized more than 400 unused cloned electronic cards in a subsequent search of the men’s hotel room in Patong.

Police also seized one Acer tablet, Sumsung notebook, skimming equipment and other items.

The men were arrested at a police checkpoint in Kamala at 2pm after local police were alerted that the suspects were heading their way.

“An investigation team from the Provincial Police received a tip-off that two foreigners, both white males, on a black-and-red Yamaha motorbike with license plate number “1 KorChor 3288” were travelling around using fake ATM cards at several ATMs in Patong and Kamala,” Col Chokdee explained.

“Police were told the two men had just left the Patong area and were heading to Kamala,” he added.

“ So we set up a checkpoint waiting for them. Officers signalled for the men to stop when they approached the checkpoint. We found them in possession of 43 fake ATM cards and B5,000 cash,” Col Chokdee said.

“Police later searched a room at the Royal Prince Residence in Patong, where officers discovered 427 cloned electronic cards, skimmer machines, a computer tablet and other evidence,” he said.

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Well, may we expect that the presumed criminals are not arrested after their first 'foreign crime'?
RTP should intensify contacts with Interpol , FBI and other international agencies.
Than they have more chance to intercept these criminals upon arrival in Thailand instead of hunting them down after crime committing in Thailand.
Crime fighting is international fighting today. Yes?

Ed Sanders |
16 September 2016 - 23:42:51

Good catch, and a rare thumbs up to the police. These guys are complete scumbags and deserve everything coming their way. I also agree that prison sentences need to be increased for these slime bags, as they are attracted here because there are minimal consequences for their crimes...if the ever get caught.

peter rawai |
16 September 2016 - 11:34:19

To many foreign criminals here,Increasing the prison sentences would help reduce the amount of them, they are the scum of the earth and need to be sent a message they will not forget

samantha |
16 September 2016 - 10:17:07

I think you need to more heavily screen Russians. Maybe a special queue at immigration or special visa which factors in the cost of allowing them to enter and commit crime which ends up costing all of us money.
Why should we have to pay for the bad behaviour of Russians?